NBA 2K22 review: Gameplay | Rack Nerve

 

NBA 2K22 feels very different from its predecessors - in the nicest possible manner. The NBA 2K series continues to be the most accurate sports simulation on the market, and this year's edition places a strong emphasis on creating a realistic gameplay experience.

The new City mode in NBA 2K22 is a notable feature. Your MyPlayer is a resident of an open-world online metropolis. It also works with 2K's career mode, allowing you to level up your character by accepting tasks from NPCs and playing pickup games in the City. MyNBA is an in-depth franchise mode that puts you in the shoes of an NBA general manager if you want to bring your hometown team an NBA championship.

MyTeam allows users to create their own online teams and compete by including current and previous NBA players on their rosters. Offline challenges and configurable choices are also available in this mode. Read our comprehensive NBA 2K22 review to learn everything you need to know about the latest iteration of the long-running basketball sim.

NBA 2K22 review: Gameplay

NBA 2K22's gameplay is like to excellent wine: crisp, fluid, and getting better with age. Sports games are notorious for copying and pasting mechanics and animations from previous editions, and the NBA 2K series has been no exception. This year, however, things are a little different. While not perfect, the AI in this game closely resembles that of real basketball players. Isolation basketball is more difficult to play, emphasising the importance of ball movement and openings.

The most noticeable enhancement to the gameplay is in the area of defence. Gone are the days when point guards could easily get past opponents. Defenders will stay in front of the ball handler in NBA 2K22, forcing you to get around them. Attempting to steal the ball on defence used to almost always result in a reach-in foul. This year's game, on the other hand, rewards players for making well-timed steals. The new shot contest and shot-blocking techniques are the same. It's a fair system that avoids ludicrous late closeouts that dispute wide-open shots while also correcting the usual occurrence of a well-guarded shot being considered wide-open.

On the offensive side of the ball, the most significant change is a new shot meter. The shot meter takes a little while to get used to, but once you do, it is a welcome change. Whereas past shot meters were small icons that appeared over the shooter’s head, this one is a long arc that appears behind the shooter. The meter expands with high-quality shots from better shooters, and shrinks with low-quality shots from worse shooters. NBA 2K22 has also added new dribble moves and signature combos, creating more offensive versatility for players.

NBA 2K22 review: Visuals and Sound

NBA 2K22 looked fantastic on an Xbox Series X linked to a 65-inch LED 4K TV. The player models are as realistic as they get, and the immersive presentation effectively recreates the NBA environment.

NBA 2K22 has outstanding motion capture. Star players have their own custom animations included into the game, giving the impression that you're competing with real sportsmen rather than computer-generated characters. These animations range from Stephen Curry's three-point shot with his back to the hoop to Carmelo Anthony's trademark baseline turnaround jumper. There are also some more subtle new animations in NBA 2K22, such as a nice camera cut that rubs a perfect three-point release in your opponent's face.

The sound in NBA 2K22 is also top-notch. From the swoosh of made baskets to on-court audio, everything sounds exactly how it is supposed to. The 2K developers went out of their way to do the little things that add to the realism of the game, such as adding all 30 PA announcers from teams around the league. When you are not actively in games, there's a stellar soundtrack, featuring numerous artists connected to the NBA universe, such as Travis Scott, Gunna, Future, Megan Thee Stallion and Migos.

The audio in NBA 2K22 is likewise excellent. Everything, from the swoosh of made baskets to on-court audio, sounds precisely as it should. The 2K creators went out of their way to include all 30 PA announcers from across the league, among other details that add to the game's realism. When you're not playing games, there's a fantastic soundtrack featuring Travis Scott, Gunna, Future, Megan Thee Stallion, and Migos, among other NBA-related musicians.

NBA 2K22 review: MyNBA/MyWNBA

When creating NBA 2K22's franchise mode, the creators followed a simple rule: "If it ain't busted, don't repair it." Users can choose an NBA or WNBA franchise and play through numerous seasons to build a dynasty in this game mode. Each year, users guide their team through the draught and free agency process, as well as make trades and hire and fire personnel.

This year’s version of MyNBA/MyWNBA includes new features in staffing and preparation. Users can now build an entire front office staff made up of four departments, employing up to 17 staff members. The mode now features a Prep Hub that puts all of the information about your team into a single menu. NBA 2K22 has also added training updates to MyNBA/MyWNBA, which add another layer to running a franchise.

NBA 2K22 review: MyCareer/The City

NBA 2K22's new City mode mixes a traditional career mode with an open-world online universe. You may improve your player by completing NPC missions and playing online pickup games. I was blown away by the amount of effort that went into constructing the city. NBA 2K22 combines the traditional story mode of previous games with an integrated online experience that gives players more choice.

The City made its debut in NBA 2K21, but the experience in NBA 2K22 is vastly different from that of last year's mode. Imagine an online version of Grand Theft Auto, but instead of stealing and murdering, the game revolves around basketball. Your player can go to the booth or the design studio in their leisure time to start a career in hip-hop or become a fashion magnate. This is an ambitious and imaginative option, but it's not for everyone because it doesn't focus on the game's on-court components.

NBA 2K22 review: MyTeam

MyTeam in NBA 2K22 is 2K's take on EA's famous ultimate team mode. Because you must buy new players in randomised packs, these game variants have been criticised for encouraging gambling. People, on the other hand, continue to play. Microtransactions for MyCareer in NBA 2K22 are frequently more impactful than those for MyTeam.

Each year, the quality of MyTeam has grown, and this trend has maintained in NBA 2K22. MyTeam draught allows people to assemble a virtual squad of elite players to compete online for real money. There's also a card grader that can help you estimate the value of your card before you sell it. You might appreciate MyTeam if you don't mind the fact that it's a pay-to-play game mode.

NBA 2K22 review: Verdict

NBA 2K22 is one of the most realistic sports simulations that I have ever seen. The creators certainly listened to user feedback and took steps to improve this year's game. Last year's submission included a lot of glitchy play and unforced CPU errors, but this year's entry has almost completely eliminated them. NBA 2K22 is a skill-based game rather than a chance-based one.

Not only is the gameplay flawless, but the graphics and presentation provide a level of immersion that few other sports games can match. Aside from the fantastic gameplay, NBA 2K22 offers something for everyone. MyNBA/MyWNBA is a full franchise mode in which players may lead their teams to victory, and MyTeam has made improvements that fans of the game mode will appreciate. The City and MyCareer bring something entirely unique to the table.

NBA 2K22 is a must-have for basketball aficionados, and it's a significant upgrade over NBA 2K21. The action is fantastic, the graphics are stunning, and there are enough game options to keep you occupied for a year.